Keeping FLAGs in action between programming periods

Description

Context, needs, opportunity:

The Regional Government of Galicia offers an inspirational example of how to plan CLLD implementation in advance to ensure FLAGs remain operational from one programming period to another. This has helped to safeguard the local dynamic and credibility built up by the FLAGs and ensure funds are quickly available for new projects in the new period.

In many countries when a programming period comes to an end, FLAGs face serious difficulties to maintain the momentum and trust built up as a funding gap and lack of certainty regarding re-selection leads to a freeze in most FLAG activities. In Galicia, the transition from 2007-2014 to 2014-2020 was well planned to avoid such disruption and ensure a continuous presence of the FLAGs. The key implementation steps are illustrated below, along with the timeline followed. Galicia did not wait for the national Operational Programme for the EMFF to be adopted before launching their work.

2015

April

Call published for FLAG candidates for the 2014-2020 period (2007-2013 FLAGs still operational)

June

8 FLAG candidates submitted

July

7 of the 8 candidates approved and preparatory support foreseen for preparing their strategies

November

7 local development strategies submitted

National Operational Programme adopted

December

Payment of preparatory support transferred to the 7 FLAGs that developed a strategy

First round of projects (99) formally approved by Galicia for implementation

2020

First half

Preparations for the next period (starting in 2021) expected to start

end December

FLAG running costs and operational will continue to be eligible

Main achievements:

Demonstrating recognition of the important work of the Galician FLAGs and supporting them to remain operational and active between funding periods. This has been fundamental for preserving the credibility of the FLAGs and ensuring that they can provide a continuous service to their areas.

Transferability:

This kind of advance preparation should be possible in most Member States where there is the will and commitment to keep the FLAGs in place between programming periods.

Lessons:

National and/or Regional authorities can keep FLAGs operational between funding periods if the selection process of the new groups is planned in advance. In regional countries, good communication and trust between the regional and national level is fundamental as much progress will have to be made before adoption of the national OP. For this reason, regular communication with DG MARE is also fundamental.

Resources

Skills:

Experience in programming CLLD and capacity to absorb knowledge and experience from other regions, Member States and European support unit.

Staff resources (FTE):

2

Financial resources:

€191 000 (approximately €24 000 per FLAG) was paid from Galicia’s Technical Assistance budget for preparatory support for strategy development. The eight FLAGs have an average budget of €6.5M each.